The Anambra State Police Command has received 36 persons, including 29 rescued children and young persons as well as six suspects, from the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling and further investigation.
As gathered by DrumAfricanews, this is as part of efforts to tackle child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the state.
The individuals, aged between six and 44 years, were handed over to the Police Command on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma, and Moses Anyingo, were arrested in Nnewi over their alleged involvement in the exploitation of the rescued children.
According to the Police, the profiling exercise is aimed at establishing the identities of the victims and suspects, investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged exploitation.
They added that it is also aimed at facilitating the possible reunification of the rescued children with their families and states of origin where necessary, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and exploitation.
He described child labour and street hawking as practices that expose children to trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities, warning that anyone found culpable would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police Commissioner also urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to desist from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the dangers of street hawking.
He encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders to protect children’s rights, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen efforts to eliminate child exploitation across the state.
